Bromoacetic acids are a group of chemical compounds that contain a bromine atom and a carboxylic acid functional group. They are derived from acetic acid, where one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by bromine. These compounds are often used in organic synthesis and can serve as intermediates in the production of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The presence of the bromine atom in bromoacetic acids enhances their reactivity, making them useful in chemical reactions such as nucleophilic substitutions. They can also be employed in the development of biologically active molecules and in research related to medicinal chemistry.